Paint brushes



July 6, 1965 R. L. wl-:lss ETAL PAINT BRUSHES Filed Feb. l, 1962 2 Sheets-Sheet l July 6, l965 R. l.. wElss ETAL 3,192,549

` PAINT BRUSHES Filed Feb. 1, 1962 2 sheets-sheet 2 INVENTOR. ROBERT L. WEISS EARL R. HUNT United States Patent O 92,549 PAiNT BRUSHES Robert L. Weiss and Earl R. Hunt, Wooster, Ohio, assignors to The Wooster Brush Company, Wooster, Qhio, a corporation ot Ohio Filed Feb. 1, 1962, Ser. No. 170,344 4 Claims. (Cl. 1S--192) This invention relates to paint brushes and like structures and more particularly to attachment means for securing the bristle portion of a brush to the handle portion thereof.

The invention has for its primary object the provision of a device of the aforesaid nature which is characterized by its structural simplicity, its inexpensive manufacturing and operating costs, the ease of assembly of its parts, the attractive forms in which the device may Vbe made, and the particularly effective manner in which it performs its function.

An important object of the invention is to provide a paint brush structure wherein the handle portion has a peripheral wall and means is provided for both bonding a bristle portion to said wall and mechanically interlocking said bristle portion therewith.

Another object ofthe invention is to provide a structure as set forth above wherein a soliditied bonding compound used for bonding and mechanically interlocking the bristle portion with the handle portion of `a brush also serves as a lateral reinforcement preventing collapse of the side walls ot a hollow plastic handle.

Further objects of the present invention, and a number of its advantages, will be referred to in or will be evident from the following description .of four embodiments of the invention, illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

lFIG. l is a front elevation of a paint brush manufactured according to a lirst embodiment of this invention;

FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the brush of FIG. l;

FIG. 3 is a vertical section taken along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a vertical section taken along the Iline 4 4 of FIG. l;

FIG. 5 is a section similar to FIG. 4 showing the second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to FIGS. 4 and 5 showing a third embodiment of the invention;

PIG. 7 is a front elevation of a brush manufactured according to a fourth embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is a side elevation of the paint brush as shown in FIG. 7;

JBIG. 9 is a vertical section taken along the line 9-9 of e FIG. 8;

FIG. l-O is a vertical section taken along the line lil-lil of FIG. 7; and

FIG. l1 is a horizontal cross section taken along the line 11-11 of FIG. 9.

Before the device here illustrated is specifically described, it is to be understood that the invention here involved is not limited to the structural details or arrangement of parts here shown since paint brushes embodying the present invention may take various forms. it is also to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein employed is for the purpose of description and not of limitation since the scope of the present invention is denoted bythe appended claims.

Referring now to the drawings in all of which like parts are designated by like reference numerals, the paint brush of FIGS. 1 4 comprises a handle l, a bristle portion 2, and a ferrule 3. The handle 1, as herein illustrated, is preferably made of plastic and `comprises a gripping portion 4 and an integral, bristle receiving portion 5. The entire handle is preferably of hollow construction thereby great- ICC ly reducing the weight ofsaid handle `and effecting a substantial saving in material. The bristle receiving portion 5 is generally oblong in horizontal section with the shape of said portion being defined by a relatively thin, vertical eripheral wall 6 having ilat, elongated parallel side portions 7 and shorter end portions.

The outer surface of the vertical, peripheral wall 6 is inwardly stepped adjacent its upper end to provide a downwardly facing shoulder 3. The side portions 7 of the wall have downwardly directed extensions 9 integral with said side portions and disposed opposite each other. The side portions 7, in the form illustrated, are also connected to each other by integrally formed webs lil of substantial thickness which provide lateral reinforcement of the side portions 7.

As best shown in FIG. 4, the lowermost ends of the extensions 9 have inwardly directed lianges il which extend through-out the horizontal length of said extensions and for more than half the length of the elongated parallel side portions '7. The `outer surfaces ofthe extensions 9 are coplanar with the outer surfaces of their associated side portions 7, and the preferably metal ferrule 3 surrounds the wall 6 in ilatwise engagement with its outer surface and the outer surfaces of said extensions, said terru'le having its upper peripheral edge seated against the shoulder 8. Said ierrule extends downwardly a `substantial distance below the inwardly turned flanges 4Iii and is preferably provided with one or more reinforcing beads or ribs l2 extending horizontally completely around said errule.

The bristle portion 2 comprises a multiplicity of closely packed Vbristles 2d divided Within the bristle portion into three substantially equally proportioned rows by means of a pair of separation strips 2i. The separation strips 2i may be made of wood, metal, plastic, or other suitable materials and are disposed with their top surfaces coplanar with the upper ends of the bristles 2t). The upper ends of said bristles and the separation strips are unitarily .bonded together to form the bristle knot and are `disposed within the lower end portion of the errule 3.

@ne method ot manufacturing the brush is by iirst disposing the upper ends of the bristles Ztl within the lower end portion oi the ferrule 3 with the separation strips 2l disposed as illustrated in FlG. 4. A bonding compound Z2 in liquid form is then poured into the ferrule 3 in such quantity as to rise a substantial distance within said ferrule. Some of the liquid compound permeates the upper ends of the bristles 2@ whereby when said compound hardens, the upper ends of the bristles are bonded together into a solid bristle lmot. The handle l is inserted into the upper end of the ferrule 3 while the compound 22 is still in a liquid state, an-d the flanges il `are then disposed below the upper level of the compound which is subsequently cured into a hardened state.

The bonding compound 22 is preferably a thermosetting material such as an epoxide containing composition which subsequently hardens with the iianges il embedded therein whereby the bristle knot is not only bonded to the `lower edge portions of the extensions j and the inner surface of the ferrule 3, but also mechanically interlocks with said llanges of said extension. The hardened bonding cornpound 22 also affords a rigid, lateral connection and reinforcement between the extensions 9 thereby adding substantially to the rigidity and strength of the bristle receiving portion 5 oi the handle l. l

The second embodiment of FlG. 5 diiiers from the rst embodiment only in the transverse sectional shape of the downwardly directed extensions. All other parts are identical with those of the iirst embodiment and are, therefore, given the same reference numerals. The ernbodiment of FIG. 5 has extensions 14 which turn inwardly in a downward direction and have inwardly directed an'ges 15 at their lowermost edge portions. The outer surfaces of the extensions 1d adjacent their lower edges are, therefore, disposed in spaced relation to the inner surfaces of the ferrule 3, and the bonding compound Z2 lls this space as illustrated in FlG. 5.

The third embodiment of FIG. 6 illustrates the Inanner in which the flanges of the extensions may be directed outwardly if desired. ln the third embodiment, all parts are substantially similar to numbered the same as corresponding parts of the iirst embodiment with the exception of the wall of the bristle receiving portion 5, the side portions of the wall, and the extensions of the side portions.

The s 'all 7.6 of the third embodiment is preferably somewhat thicker than the wall 6 of the first two embodiments resulting in thickened side portions l? and downwardly directed extensions ld. The lower portions o the extensions lS taper downwardly away from the walls of the ferrule 3 at their outer surfaces as indicated at 1S', and the lower edges of said extensions have laterally outwardly directed iianges 19. By means of the tapers lS, the flanges can be directed outwardly without changing the shape of the ferrule and without distorting the extensions 1S. The bonding compound 22 extends upwardly above the dang-es i9 as in the tirst two embodiments whereby the extensions 1S are both bonded to and interlocned with the bristle portion 2.

rl`he fourth embodiment or" FIGS. 7-ll shows a paint brush of similar construction to that shown in the lirst embodiment although illustrated as applied to a smaller brush. The brush of the fourth embodiment comprises a handle 36, a bristle portion 3l, and a ferrule 32. T he handle is preferably of hollow, plastic construction so formed as to provide a gripping portion 33 and a bristle receiving portion 34.

The bristle receiving portion 3d has a downwardly projecting, peripheral wall which defines an oblong shape in horizontal section and which has parallel, ilat side portions 36 and preferably rounded end portions 37. The wall 35 is of uniform Vertical dimension throughout and is uniformly inwardly stepped at its outer surlace adjacent the upper end to afford a downwardly facing shoulder 38 against which the upper peripheral edge of the ferrule 32 seats. The wall 35 is provided, adjacent its lower peripheral edge with a plurality of apertures which are preferably provided only in the side portions 35 but which may be provided also in the end portions 37.

The ferrule 3?. projects downwardly a substantial distance below the lower edge of the wall 35 to provide a socket for receiving the bristle knot, said ferrule being provided with one or more reinforcing ribs it? adjacent its lower end if desired. The bristle portion 3l. of the second embodiment comprises a plurality of closely packed bristles Sti having a central divider or separation strip 51 at the upper ends of the bristles at the bristle knot.

In final assembly, the bristle knot is disposed within the downwardly opened socket formed by the lower end or" the ferrule 32 with the upper end of said knot contiguous the lower peripheral edge or the wall 35. The upper ends of the bristles, the separation strip, the lower portion of the wall, and the lower portion of the ferrule are all unitarily bonded together by a bonding compound 52, of a type previously referred to, which extends upwardly into the hollow, bristle receiving portion 3dof the handle above the level of the apertures 39 whereby in its liquid state said compound flows outwardly into said apertures. Hardening or curing of the bonding compound 52 into a solid state provides a mechanical interlock between the bristle knot and the handle, by means of the portion thereof projecting into the apertures, and also adhesively bonds the two parts into a solid, integral unit.

A brush constructed according to any of the embodiments herein presented is sturdy, light in weight, and inexpensive to manufacture. lt has the advantage that no nails or rivets are necessary to hold the several parts together. The handle and the .ferrule are, in each instance,

electively sealed against paint or moisture collecting therein due to the fact that the entire area of the bristle knot is sealed relative to the ferrule and/ or the handle by the aforementioned bonding compound. The bristle receiving portion of the handle in each embodiment is reinforced against collapsing in a lateral direction by this same bonding compound which affords a rigid connection between the `llat side portions of the walls.

lt will be understood that many chances may be made in the above described invention without, however, departing from the spirit thereof or the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

l. A brush structure comprising a hollow, thin-walled handle; said handle affording downwardly projecting elongated side walls and shorter end walls, said side walls providing parallel and laterally spaced wall portions at opposite sides of said handle; the lower edges of said wall portions having laterallydirected, elongated ilanges extending for more than half the length of said elongated side walls; a tubular errule surrounding the lower portion of said handle and said wall portions and extending downwardly below the lower edges of said wall portions; a bristle portion having its upper end telescoped within the lower end of said ferrule and disposed below the lower edges of said wall portions; solidified bonding compound disposed within said ferrule, bonding the upper end of said bristle portion into a solid bristle knot, and extending upwardly within said ferrule above said ilanges thereby rigidly bonding and locking said wall portions to said bristle portion.

2.. A brush structure comprising a hollow', thin-walled handle; said handle affording downwardly projecting elongated side walls and shorter end walls, said side walls providing parallel and laterally spaced wall portions at opposite sides of said handle; an elongated flange formed on the inner surface of each said wall portion adjacent to the lower edge of said Wall portion and directed inwardly toward the flange of the other wall portion; said anges extending for more than half the length of said elongated side walls; a tubular ferrule surrounding the lower portion of said handle and said wall portions and extending downwardly below the lower edges of said wall portions; a bristle portion having its upper end telescoped within the lower end of said ferrule and disposed below the lower edges of said wall portions; solidified bonding compound disposed within said ferrule, bonding the upper end of said bristle portion into a solid bristle knot, and extending upwardly within said ferrule above said flanges thereby rigidly bonding and locking said wall portions to said bristle portion.

3. A brush structure comprising a hollow, thin-walled handle; said handle alfording downwardly projecting elongated side walls and shorter end walls, said side walls providing parallel and laterally spaced wall portions at opposite sides of said handle; the lower edge portions of said wall portions being turned inwardly toward each other to forrn inwardly directed lianges; said tlanges extending for more than half the length of said elongated side walls; a tubular ferrule surrounding the lower portion of said handle and said wall portions and extending downwardly below the lower edges of said wall portions; said inwardly turned lower edge portions of said wall portions being generally inwardly spaced from said ferrule; a bristle portion having its upper end telescoped within the lower end of said ferrule and disposed below the lower edges of said wall portions; solidified bonding compound disposed within said ferrule, bonding the upper end of said bristle portion into a solid bristle knot, and extending upwardly within said ferrule above and on either side of said ilanges thereby rigidly bonding and locking said wall portions to said bristle portion.

4l. A brush structure comprising a hollow, thin-walled handle; said handle affording downwardly projecting elongated side walls and shorter end walls, said side walls providing parallel and laterally spaced wall portions at opposite sides of said handle; a tubular ferrule surrounding the lower portion of said handle and said wall portions and extending downwardly below the lower edges of said wall portions; the outer surfaces of said wall portions tapering slightly downwardly and inwardly away from the inner surface of said ferrule and angling abruptly outwardly toward said fer-rule adjacent to the lower edges of said wall portions to afford outwardly directed, elongated anges; said anges extending for more than half the length of said elongated side walls; a bristle portion having its upper end telescoped within the lower end of said ferrule and disposed below the lower edges of said wallV portions; solidied bonding compound disposed within said ferrule, bonding the upper end of said bristle portion into a solid bristle knot, and extending upwardly within said ferrule above said flanges thereby rigidly bonding and locking said wall portions to said bristle portion.

5 References Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 5/50 Simms 15--192 X 7/51 Hervey 15-193 X 7/58 Maxwell 15-193 4/64 Daw l5-192 5/64 Danley et al. -1 15-193 FOREIGN PATENTS 12/55 Belgium.

2/59 France.

10/59 France.

10/ 60 Great Britain.

8 61 Great Britain. 12/ 6 1 taly. 11/ 5 6 Sweden.

9/ 35 Switzerland.

CHARLES A. WTLLMUTH, Primary Examiner. 

1. A BRUSH STRUCTURE COMPRISING A HOLLOW, THIN-WALLED HANDLE; SAID HANDLE AFFORDING DOWNWARDLY PROJECTING ELONGATED SIDE WALLS AND SHORTER END WALLS, SAID SIDE WALLS PROVIDING PARALLEL AND LATERALLY SPACED WALL PORTIONS AT OPPOSITE SIDES OF SAID HANDLE; THE LOWER EDGES OF SAID WALL PORTIONS HAVING LATERALLY DIRECTED, ELONGATED FLANGES EXTENDING FOR MORE THAN HALF THE LENGTH OF SAID ELONGATED SIDE WALLS; TUBULAR FERRULE SURROUNDING THE LOWER PORTION OF SAID HANDLE AND SAID WALL PORTIONS AND EXTENDING DOWNWARDLY BELOW THE LOWER EDGES OF SAID WALL PORTIONS; A BRISTLE PORTION HAVING ITS UPPER END TELESCOPED WIHTIN THE LOWER END OF SAID FERRULE AND DISPOSED BELOW THE LOWER EDGES OF SAID WALL PORTIONS; SOLIDIFIED BONDING COMPOUND DISPOSED WITHIN SAID FERRULE, BONDING THE UPPER END OF SAID BRISTLE PORTION INTO A SOLID BRISTLE K NOT, AND EXTENDING UPWARDLY WITHIN SAID FERRULE ABOVE SAID FLANGES THEREBY RIGIDLY BONDING AND LOCKING SAID WALL PORTIONS TO SAIS BRISTLE PORTION. 